Author : W. Thomas Holmes
Publisher :
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : 110 pages
Book Rating : 4.:/5 (639 download)
Book Synopsis Redefining Identity and Vision as a Strategy for Renewing Energy for Mission in a Context Characterized by Change, Diversity and Ambiguity by : W. Thomas Holmes
Download or read book Redefining Identity and Vision as a Strategy for Renewing Energy for Mission in a Context Characterized by Change, Diversity and Ambiguity written by W. Thomas Holmes and published by . This book was released on 2000 with total page 110 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The theological principIe undergirding this study maintains that when God calls people, they are given a new identity and a vision for mission which has the potential for energizing their ministry to people outside of the faith community. It follows, therefore, that when congregations are able to clearly define their identity and vision for mission, they will experience an increase in energy for that mission. The challenge facing St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Forest Park, Illinois is that because both it's context and congregational dynamics arc characterized by change, diversity, and ambiguity, it has become uncertain about its identity and vision and has consequently experienced a decrease in energy for mission. The research shows that when ambiguity is the salient characteristic of both the context and the organization, technical soIutions and new programs are not effective. Instead, what is needed is a renewed sense of meaning, purpose and direction. The thesis project is an experiment in seeing if a small, multi-cultural congregation in a changing neighborhood can be reenergized for mission by the telling and claiming of stories from both the congregation's experience and from its biblical heritage as a means to redefining its identity and vision.